Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II: a quick summary

Rather uncharacteristically, Canon has given us very little access to its PowerShot G1 X II or information about it, but they did give us a chance to handle a prototype model back at CES. The camera itself won't be available until April, but we got the chance to get our hands on one at the CP+ 2014 show in Yokohama. We'll bring you hands-on photos from the show if they are. However, it's still possible to deduce some information about the camera, based on that experience and the information that has been made available.

New form-factor - No built-in viewfinder

Unlike its predecessor, the G1 X Mark II doesn't follow the styling of the regular G-Series of camera. Instead it more closely resembles the company's EOS-M mirrorless camera, with some of the G-Series' direct controls grafted onto it. The lens looks a lot like the original G1 X's but now features twin control dials - one of which spins smoothly for controlling features such as manual focus, the other of which features click-stops, for controlling settings such as aperture.

This re-crafting of the body means there's no longer room for a viewfinder - instead those who want one can pay extra for an optional electronic unit. There will be some who'll resent having to pay extra to buy an additional viewfinder, having already spent $799 on a compact camera. But, given how indifferent the tunnel-type finder was on the equally expensive G1 X, it's a move that may actually be welcome to anyone who wanted a smaller camera, or who prefers using the rear screen.

The G1 X II will be sold in Europe with an accessory grip included; US models will not bundle the grip, instead it will be offered as an optional accessory.

The camera market has progressed tremendously in the two years since the original G1 X was launched, with the arrival of Sony's RX100 and ever-smaller mirrorless models, leaving potential buyers with considerably higher expectations of how small and how capable cameras can be. For the G1 X Mark II to succeed, it had to be smaller and faster than its predecessor. It's certainly achieved the former, and has added NFC-mediated Wi-Fi to broaden its capabilities and appeal. Canon's rather likeable touchscreen interface is a nice addition, too.

Multi aspect-ratio sensor

Canon says the G1 X Mark II is based around a new sensor, though it's always hard to tell exactly how much has actually been re-engineered. Although Canon's marketing material talks about the Mark II having a 18.7 x 12.5mm sensor, we're pretty confident that it's actually the same size as the G1 X's (nearer 18.7 x 14mm).

Sensor sizes:

Camera Name

Sensor format

Crop Factor

Sensor dimensions (mm)

Sensor area (mm2)

Nikon D5300

APS-C

1.53

23.5 x 15.6

367

Canon Rebel T5i

APS-C (Canon)

1.62

22.2 x 14.8

329

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

1.5"-type (4:3 crop)

1.92

17.9 x 13.4

240

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

1.5"-type (3:2 crop)

1.92

18.7 x 12.5

234

Olympus OM-D E-M10

Four Thirds

2.00

17.3 x 13.0

225

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

1"-type

2.72

13.2 X 8.8

116

What's changed is the way that area is used. In a manner that will be familiar to users of Panasonic's GH1, GH2, LX3 and LX5, the G1 X Mark II never uses its entire sensor, instead taking different crops from it.

The G1 X Mark II's pixel dimensions show that it's cropping from a sensor that's larger than the imaging area, allowing it to offer the same angle-of-view for both the 3:2 and 4:3 aspect ratios.

The 18.7 x 12.4 mm sensor size that Canon has been quoting appears to refer to the 3:2 crop area - the sensor itself is the same size as the one in the original G1 X.

So, while the camera's sensor is the same size as its predecessor's, all the aspect ratio modes offer a 1.92x crop factor, rather than the G1 X's 1.85. This is how the camera is able to switch between 3:2 mode and 4:3, while still offering the same diagonal angle of view, and also how it's able to offer a slightly stretched 24-120mm equivalent range from a 12.5-62.5mm lens (rather than 28-112mm from a 15.1-60.4mm unit).

Improved lens specifications

As well as offering a slightly broader zoom range, the Mark II is also able to boast a considerably faster aperture range. F2.0-3.9 not only means it's at least 1EV faster throughout its zoom range, it's also considerably rangier and brighter than the standard 18-55mm lens you'd usually find on the Rebel we compared it to earlier.

The brighter lens also gives the G1 X II a considerable advantage over the current zoom compact crown holder - Sony's RX100 II. Taking sensor sizes into account, the Canon should receive around 0.7EV more light at the wide end of its lens, and 1.7Ev at the long end. Its 24-120mm range is also usefully more flexible than the RX100's 28-100 reach.

Overall

We're also promised that the focus speed of the Mark II has been improved over that of the original camera, and that it now offers a 5cm Macro mode for closer focusing. If both these promises are lived up to, then it goes a long way to addressing our biggest concerns about the G1 X.

The other point to address is the value proposition (or 'price' in common parlance). Just like its predecessor, there are two ways of looking at the G1 X II: as a large and wildly expensive compact camera, or as a cut-price 'Rebel' with a faster, more capable lens built in to a much more compact body. Which you think is true will depend on your perspective, but if placed alongside cameras such as the Ricoh GR, the Fujifilm X100S or the Nikon Coolpix A, the price suddenly doesn't seem so outrageous.

We look forward to getting to have a proper play with the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, and will report back as soon as we have.

Comments

This is a true POS.Sensor this big with not much Mpix. You would expect stellar ISO performance and excellent dynamic range. However, DXOMark results tell the sensor is about 5-6 years old.To be fair, high quality fixed zoom lens, something that vast majority of enthusiast would like to see (or anybody who wants a 2nd camera), likely won't come from Olympus or Lumix in the next 5 years.

I guess a good compact is not on any roadmap. Latest update from Sony, RX100 MK3, tells us that even crappier lens is coming (f2.8 in 40mm of thickness). Latest update from Nikon, V3, tells us P8000 is going to get a horrible sensor (ISO rating of ~300 need me f1.4 lens to get some decent light in it).

How is that a "cut price" Rebel? Seems more like a full price Rebel. Seems like a big improvement over the first gen G1X which was horribly compromised by AF and lack of close focus, pointless OVF, etc. Priced better too.

I bought my G1X-II yesterday. I'm a living and working in China so was very happy to find mine was a cheaper than what they are asking back in England. Mine cost me 4600Rmb, and yes its a real one. First surprise was the weight. I wasn't expecting it to be as heavy as it is for such a small camera. Wish they had put the shutter release button on the outside though. Had no problems connecting to my Android to view pictures. Was surprised I could also control the camera with my phone. Image quality I am yet to comment about as I have had no time to test it. Saturday I will be out with it. Battery is kinda small so if you are a serious shower then recommend a back up. The screen feels a bit stiff to pull out but then I won't be moving that much so it's no real issue for me. Feels good in the hand. I like it a lot and I gave my G15 to my wife who is also happy. I had to do something to get my hands on this new camera. Lol.

I was looking very hard at the Mark I but the lack of reasonable close focus excluded it for my work camera needs. I wanted something with a bigger sensor/low light capability beyond, say, the G15. Some display articulation is a must, and in my experience a decent tilt up and down gives me at least 75% of the functionality that a full swivel does and would be adequate. Just a year and a half too late.

I have used the G1X Mk1 as a compromise trekking camera for 2 years . After 5 months in Europe and more recently a month in South America I have taken in excess of 35,00 photos with this camera. ( I think the mechanical lifespan of this little guy may be ending soon) So I am hoping the robust durability of the Mk1 will be continued in the Mk2 and will welcome the new lens and other improvements.

Looks like the perfect camera for my wife, who likes automatic modes and has a pretty good eye for composition but does not want to use a large camera and does not care about changing lenses.I always thought compact cameras a a waste in that case, because she's taking pretty nice pictures but sometimes the camera can't handle well the light conditions, the noise or then the larger prints are not as good as they could have been.This may definitely get a spot in our family!! Especially since Sony have this extremely bad habit of making different models for Japan and the rest of the world, meaning you can't have English and Japanese menus (my wife's Japanese)...

This camera is suspiciously close to the canon APS-C pixel density and crop factor for it to be a totally different sensor. Has anybody ripped one appart and directly measured the chip in comparison to Canon's APS-C? It just seems far fetched that they would make a sensor like this specific for the G series and much more likely that they'd worry about differentiating their APS-C DSLR line from the G series by not utilizing the entire sensor.

I also find this an interesting camera at a "fair" price. I just wish there were some confirmed specifications out there. For example:Flash sync speeds (couldn't even find in the manual). Type of shutter, if similar to Fuji x100s, does it have the same limitations? Does the data port for the viewfinder also support mic/headphone input/output?Since this is really a m4/3 format camera, the price seems very fair compared to the hideously overpriced m4/3 lenses, making this a strong contender for my $ compared to a Pany GX7.What they (Canon) needs to fix to really sell me: Flash pass-through port on the viewfinder - so I can have flash AND viewfinder not OR viewfinder.KILLER ACCESSORY: True optical viewfinder with superimposed info (zoom-able or three position (24/50/100) with FOV brightlines).Wishful development: Same camera but in-body shutter and m4/3 compliant mount with Canon made adapters for mounting M/EF-S/EF lenses.

Hi there, as I'm in the lucky situation of owning both G1X-es (I was able to obtain the G1X mark II while I was in Japan), and a Canon 6D with some L lenses, I've done some informal comparison tests between the G1X mark 1 and the G1X mark 2, both set on maximally wide (as this is usually the most critical setting) and also the 6D with the 24mm 1.4L ii, for comparison.

The pictures are taken of one of my bookshelves, on a tripod, with manual focus (using live-view & the magnifyer). They are RAW pictures that I've converted to JPG using DPP, with no explicit post-processing at all. I don't know what DPP and/or the G1X-es do in camera, and to me it looks likely that some in-camera processing is performed in the G1X-es.

Here are the JPGs on Flickr.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpderuiter/sets/72157642992889504/

For me, even though I can see that these lenses are not perfect, they are all clearly good enough for making fantastic pictures. Feel free to disagree.

JP, are the flash specs on the G1x-II the same as the G1X-I? Namely; 1/250 sync with external Canon ttl flash, HSS to 1/4000, and 1/2000 sync with internal flash? Also, are the flash control options (such as manual control of 430ex) the same (or better) than the G1X-I. Thanks in advance.

Ed, I never ever use flash, and consequently I'm not knowledgeable about it at all. All I can say is that the flash seems to work really well with all shutter speeds upto 1/2000 (but not 1/4000) so I guess it is a leaf shutter. For the rest, there is an english language manual out there at http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/1/0300014281/01/psg1x-mk2-cu-en.pdf which may or may not be informative. Cheers, JP

JP, thanks for the reply. With the limit to 1/2000 it looks like the flash sync is the same as the G1X-MKI. 1/2000 is fine by me as most flashes lose a lot of power after 1/1000 anyway. I did down load the manual and couldn't find any specs on flash synchronization. Unlike you, this is a critical spec to me and is the first thing I check prior to considering for purchase.Thanks again for the reply.

just came back from cycling NZ within 7 weeks. Had to choose between my 5D MKII plus lenses or G1x. The latter saved me 3 kgs of gear and made me come home with thousands of beautiful photos. And I can tell you, that sometimes the OVF was very (!) useful. Wouldn't have seen anything on the screen! If Canon really improves the weaknesses (such as AF, speed and macro) while keeping the IQ or even improving it, this will be my next camera. No need to pay the start-price as I still have a very good little machine.

This is what the majority of camera users always wanted. We did not buy the DSLRs on voluntary basis. We were forced to do so as compact cameras offered no high pic quality. Things are moving to the right direction. Cameras with very high pic quality and reasonable zoom can soon be carried in jacket or even shirt pocket. You don't anymore need a mule to carry your equipment when travelling.

Actually the pocket size APS cameras can cost even more than basic DSLRs. Price is not important when you get what you always wanted and get rid of something you never wanted. I will give my 3000USD Canon to my dog once a small quality device is available. My dog knows better how to carry useless obstacles around the yard. It may even enjoy this. I never did.

Many buys DSLRs and use only the kit-lens and for those kind of people the DSLR is a point and shoot camera. If you like to travel light, then these one in all cameras are the way to go. But you loose the ability to put on a macro lens, or a long tele lens, or a large aperture fixed lens. For those people , travelling with the kit-lens when you don't want the extra weight. And having the ability to take more advanced lenses on when that is wanted is a really large plus for the DSLR.

Yea Yea, the lack of VF is a deal breaker. Well, go and buy it. It's available, huh. For casual days where I want less bulk I am happy they made it removable.Buy the way, did any of you that complaints about the viewfinder ever tried a high quality LCD like the one on e.g RX100 ? That LCD has way more brightness, contrast and most importantly, the dynamic range than e.g. that nice EVF on Nex6. Something gotta give, it's compact camera after all. If they've included high end LCD instead of what Fuji is doing (low end LCD and low end EVF so you can't even preview you pictures outdoors), I am going to be more than happy with it.If it turns out this camera has a good sensor and the lens, and AF/shutter speed and accuracy which matches Oly and Lumix, the lack of VF will be unimportant.

I have the G1X. I was unhappy with some of the limitations made by canon, like autoiso max 1600 and switching between focus only in auto modus +no raw in every mode. CHDK solved all those problems for me. I have even the feeling, that using a script for shooting makes the camera shooting faster (more fps)I will run some tests next weekend. To me G1X mark II looks more or less like Lumix LX7 compared to LX5(which i had) - some improvements but not enough to sell the g1x if you can use it. Brighter lens is nice but there is another crop factor. I dont know what will be the IQ. I dont belive Canon to make a perfect Camer - I simply dont belive it. G1x has a IQ of entry DSLR at least but is "slow".Fixing it + brighter lens + wide angle would be too nice to be true.Just look at the other models, they all miss something, the one has the speed, the other one IQ. Im reallly waiting for a non commercial review. Lets see if Im a visionary :)

I've had many compacts, and of course, experienced dismal image quality, from too small a sensor, not good enough a lens, or both.

It's nice to see Canon issue a correction of the G1X.

A rudimentary optical-tunnel viewfinder came in handy in strong sunlight on the p7000 I once had, but I used the LCD most of the time.

I know lots of people will b!tch about the absence of a VF (because it is a tradition here), but although I have a VF on the cameras I now own, I don't use it often. I've come used to composing on the LCD, and find it gives me more freedom of movement and flexibility when doing composition than if I had an eye shut with the other stuck on the VF.

Sure I'd rather it have a VF... but not if it were to cost more than it's already relatively high price for an entry-level to mid-level camera.

There seems to be many 50+ guys on this forum who had never seen a decent LCD. Top quality LCD is a way better option than a crappy viewfinder.The failure with this one is that they insisted on a large sensor by sacrificing many things. First of all, adding a high end EVF or OVF like the one in X100 and using a bit smaller sensor would result in a more capable camera - I would buy it right away. But to repeat again: I don't give a damn about cheap OVFs.

Second, this lens seems a bit small - I am afraid it will be similar to that crap in RX100. Again, smaller sensor would allow to use a higher quality lens (note: I am happy with the apertures offered _ I am actually waiting for ages for an m43 with bright and fixed high quality zoom - hopefully Fuji X30 will be the one).

I'm 50. I'm fine with composing on an LCD - I prefer it. But the rest of the stuff you write is a crock of dung! When you've tried a larger sensor, you won't be wishing for a small one anymore. Gone is the grainyness and lost detail. You need both a good lens and a larger sensor for good IQ. You can't expect miracles from a lens with such a zoom range, miniaturized or not. It'll not compare well to a good prime or high-end zoom, so don't kid yourself.

Who ever mentioned small sensor? I said slightly smaller sensor not to compromise the lens. 1.5" is likely going to compromise the lens. Don't know if you are aware what's the topic of this conversation ? A compact camera. OK?

You CAN'T have everything you want and keep it a compact camera. That's why I mentioned better balancing of included components. What's so hard to understand ?

Nevermind, the problem is that the buyer is always right. That's why nobody is able to offer anything decent these days as Sony RX100 MK2 is something to compete with - a camera with the lens that even remotely doesn't match the sensor. If you guys would only know who much you are losing for not having that lens 0.5" thicker...

And about the RX10 - don't see what that has to do with G1X MK2.This is about making a good compact. I personally don't need RX10 - plenty of DSLRs out there.

Anyway, the good thing about G1X MK2 is that finally we have something that promises to be a good compact. I had plenty of mirror-less cameras and those lenses are simply not working for me - I never go past 100mm (I believe most people don't - after all, most are just using the kit lens...), kit lenses are bulky and are f3.5. I use primes just because there are no decent small zoom lenses. Something to replace those crappy zoom lenses and give the quality of a mid range prime, all fixed so it's collapsible, would be appealing for vast majority of mirrorless buyers. Given the dynamic range and the iso capabilities of that sony 1" sensor, all you need is a good lens attached to it. And better sensors are coming out... Hoping that Nikon P8000 or Fuji X30 will nail with e.g 1" sensor and a high quality lens.

Canon has had three goes at improving on the amazing G12. (G1x,G15,G16) Each has sacrificed something (macro, flip screen, zoom range, or battery life) to give us something. Now, when it looks like they may have addressed most of these issues, they lose the viewfinder (Optical tunnel, yes, but it was definitely "live view"). Deal breaker.

I do not understand why the removal of the OVF in the G1X is considered a "deal breaker" by so many. I just don't see the point of an OVF that gives no feedback on (auto)focus at all and only very inaccurate feedback on framing. I recommend using the EVF on the G1X mark ii instead. It's fantastic. AND gives a lot of feedback.

I love the G1 X so it's great to read about the improvements to the slight flaws in the focus speed and accuracy, and macro mode. However, the first thing I look for in a camera is a proper vari-angle screen as I tend to take photos in tight spaces and at awkward angles - the replacement style on the Mark II is nowhere near as useful in my experience.

The lack of an optical viewfinder is disappointing but I could live with that. If Canon had kept the same style of screen it'd be a definite buy, but now I'm going to be looking at competitors - and as I love the G1 X I don't want to do that!

well after I have been fouled by promissing advertisement for the GX1, which after 7 month of desperate try to work with it to my satisfaction as a Pro Photographer, I sold it for €300,00 less at Christmass to somebody who seemed to need a gift in the last moment. Meanwhile the price for the new camera had dropped to €200 less (in 8 month after after the introduction!).I totaly trust in my D5 MkII and D5 MkIII. But i do not trust any compact models of Canon until they make a real effort to deliver outstanding RAW quality on it and a simple but effective manual handling. Aperture /Time /Focus those thinks I handle manually fast then any program selecting cane be done.I am now on the Fuju XE1. To big to be put in the pocket but decent, fast manual handling and very good picture quality until 3200. Thats all I need. face detection, smile detection, night view, touchscreen…..we have eyes don't we ?! thats what I need on a camera:see, focus, and shot !enjoy life !Larry Williams

Bugga! No viewfinder; no buy! At a time when most better 'smaller' cameras have an electrical V/F I feel Mr Canon has let the team down. IMO, they had it so right up to the G11/12 (I have one) but then they lost the plot a bit.

And sierranvin>12 MP will go a lot larger than 8 x 10". I have printed 20 x 30" aerial photos (work photography) from a Nikon d200 and from memory that was 12 MP. I have a 40" canvas from my Lumix fz200!!. OK, I wouldn't offer that size for sale but most would not notice what you and I might notice.

Thanks for the big 12 megapixels, Canon. Gee, I think that will allow me to make 8 x 10's. "Swell" (I believe that's proper early 20th century slang, which is where I rank most of Canon's "pea-shooter" offerings!)

Looking to upgrade from RX100, had my eyes on an RX10 but the new Canon semi-compact camera might bring me back to Canon as an RX10 is big, heavy, and expensive.

Concerned that the lack of the ability to control DR in a single exposure mode like Fuji and Sony cameras do- I am hooked on this feature but see no reference to this ability in current and future Canon cameras- Can someone enlighten me?

Willing to see an exhaustive comparison between this camera and Sony RX-10... now I have a G1X Mk1 and both of them solve everything I don't like of it: slow AF, no ring dial around the lense (makes very uncomfortable to shot in manual gocus), poor macro and no tactile LCD...

Regarding the lack of viewfinder, this is something that doesn't worry me too much (even being a nice to have, don't get me wrong).

My main doubt now is if I should go for the constant f2.8 lens from the Sony (even if this means a heavy gear and a smaller sensor) or to go for the G1X Mk2, which is faster on the wide end but slower at the other end. Heavy gear normally means better handling, and as none of them are pocketable, I want to make the decision only based on IQ and polivalence.

That would be cool to see. I understand the comparison. But I think the G1X will have better quality within its range. I think both cameras will require DOF management to nice Bokeh, but I actually find the Sony Bokeh to be not pleasing. I think if you really need reach and waterproof go sony, but if you want Low light wide and most of your shots will fit in 120 then canon. I think size does matter here. The Canon will fit in a jacket pocket or a wifes purse, where the Sony is going to be large and imposing and will be more likely to sit when its not convenient.

Considering the figures Misolo just wrote on the previous entry of this thread, max aperture from RX-10 seems to be better from 28mm on, which is almost all focal lengths (except 24mm). QUESTION: do these figures need to be corrected/modified in order to compare both cameras due to the different size of the sensors (effective apperture, equivalent apperture in 35mm, or whatever... I'm just a begginer in some way)? If yes, then I am doing a wrong comparison here...

Menneisyys: I don't think that's true for the latest generation sensors -- Sony, Canon, Panasonic, are all really close as far as SNR and DR are concerned over the entire ISO range (after adjusting ISO relative to sensor area to make things comparable); the only remaining advantage that Sony has over Canon is base-ISO DR. Panasonic has caught up with this with their latest generation (GX7, GM1), let's see if Canon now has as well.

In any case, while base-ISO DR has a huge impact on how DXOMark computes their summary scores, in practice there's few people for whom this matters much. In indoors situations you're not at base ISO, so SNR and DR is about the same between all current sensors (after scaling for sensor area). If you're at base ISO for landscapes and have a high-dynamic-range scene, you'll probably be doing exposure bracketing and HDR anyway.

Adding: Of course, what really is impressive about the current Sony sensors is that they manage the same performance as the others but with higher pixel counts. Whether that matters to you depends on whether the additional resolution is useful to you (i.e., do you not mind the bigger files and are you printing larger than A3 or in the habit of cropping heavily rather than zooming in).

Canon just started a sensor size of its own and I'm very glad to see this. Investing in sensors in the 1-in and 4/3 size range is just the way to go when it comes to anything but a phone camera. Canon hit it right on. The only thing in didn't like about this camera is its design. Not that it's bad designed or ugly, but I don't like the top plate having the same looks of Olympus mirroless, and the lens to body looks a bit of a Frankestein operation. I wonder if the very same camera were designed by Panasonic. Well, congratulations to Canon. This is a very nice launch and a favorite of mine already.

Thanks, very useful info. Seems that it's roughly equivalent (in 135-format terms) to 24/4.0, 28/5.6, and around f/7 for everything else. Slightly disappointing, would have liked to see f/2.8 at 17mm or even 25mm (equivalent 35/5.6 and 50/5.6), but still incredibly impressive for the size of the camera.

I'm very happy that Canon announced this camera - I wanted something like the G1X without its shortcomings - waited a long time and because of the rumors that there will be no G2X I decided ~yesterday~ (really - no joke) to buy a second hand G1X. Now I'm again back to waiting mode ...

** Nice to have but not must **- Full closing swivel screen- Built in ND filter- More than one custom mode- More than 3 exposure brackets- Zoom above 85mm- Weather sealing- Long battery life- GPS- Automatic lens cap

"This G1 X refresh was comfortable to use and very responsive, from the speedy zoom toggle to the super-fast focusing. "

Nevertheless, as usual with Engadget's camera-specific articles (see for example their absolutely we-have-no-clue-what-we-are-writing-about articles on Nokia's imaging headships like the 808), the article is definitely written by someone not really into photography. He recommends the RX100 over the camera without even knowing how the IQ of the two cameras compare... lolz.

The m4/3s manufacturers have come up with some nifty stuff over the past few years. I can see Canon turning their attention towards some of the more desirable niches m4/3s has carved, which doesn't bode well for Oly and Panny.

After about 20y with Canon I went 100% MFT since Oct 2012. Not perfect, but it does the job pretty well. However some MFT lenses can be pretty expensive also! Like the Olympus 12mm/f2.0(=24mm). For that price alone I can buy this Canon G1XmkII and have 24mm/f2.0. And get the rest of the package for 'free'. That prime lens might be a bit better. But I still have Canon flashes etc. 24-120mm is a great walk around reach. Might ended up buying this camera.

Looks likes a very good product especially for people using m4/3 or apc cameras with just the kit lens( which many do)Price I think is very competitive.Any zoom lens on m4/3 or apc cameras with f2-4 would be expensive and large.

All others copy? Panasonic and Olympus are barely relevant and have only recently come back into the fray. They make some good cameras, but nobody is copying off of them. And the G1 X and Mark II have nothing to do with M4/3: fixed lens, larger sensor, and Canon has never made a M4/3 body because it already has a line of lenses that M4/3 will never catch up to.Anyway, dumb comment, Glen.

But I agree as a MFT user(for a living) that this is an attractive camera(used Canon for 20y). It is in the same territory as what MFT users might looking for and vice versa. Hope the EOS-MmkII will have this same kind of design + the IC lenses.

When it's tested, would DPreview include a serious appraisal of the flash sync capabilities of this cam, please.With longer reach & a better max aperture, a high sync speed would be a revelation.Please don't simply regurgitate what Canon specifies. Please test with an recent Ex Canon Speedlite, but also, critically, with a single pin option to reveal what it can really do.TIA

G1 X Mark II can sync all the way through 1/4000 sec. Mind you, shutter speed is limited to 1/3200 sec (with or without flash) at apertures F2 thru F7.1. You can use 1/4000 sec at apertures F8 - F16.

You can sync flash at 1/4000 sec in ETTL or M mode. But you get a LOT more flash exposure in M mode. Highspeed mode in ETTL pulses the light, which makes sense for a focal plane shutter, but not for the leaf shutter in this camera. The Japanese catalog tells says you can sync at 1/4000 sec if you set the flash to high speed mode, but in truth, you can do so in M mode as well, and you get more (+2EV or more) exposure that way.

Now, here's the part that intrigues me. I varied flash output in M mode with 1/4000 sec shutter. At 1/1 output, I got visibly more exposure than 1/2 output. and 1/2 output got about 1EV more exposure than 1/4 output. In my experience with other leaf shutter cameras (Nikon P7700), I could not see visible difference between 1/1 and 1/2 output, or between 1/2 and 1/4 output at such a short shutter duration.

One thing I know is that Canon redesigned aperture blades (9 blades vs 6 blades in G1X), and as such, each blade is smaller and lighter (Reference: Canon developer' interview on Japanese brochure). Did this enable Canon to time the strobe to 'pop' closer to the very moment the shutter opens, so the peak flash output more closely matches the shutter window?

Hi, That's very impressive news - Tx!As you say, getting max light energy at 1/1 M at high shutter speeds is unusual & very welcome.Usually M flash from a 580ExII in a Canon body hot-shoe does not equate to a single pin option but your info has already exceeded my expectations - Tx. 1/3200th is an extremely good start.

Looks promising and quite an improvement on the MK1. Having the option to add a high quality evf if you want (not everyone does) is good if not as convenient as a built in. This could be in the running to replace or supplement my X100 but it is even chunkier (especially in depth). Probably more of a competitor to Sony RX10.

Same here, it'll fit into my regular non skinny relaxed fit jeans but it's gonna be very noticeable... It's why I ultimately decided not to get the RX100 (and settled for a thinner LF1, which is somewhat noticeable, profile of the lens mostly).

I think untimely the RX100, the G1X, and the smaller mirrorless bodies all end up competing in the same space, figuratively and literally. The RX100 is the smallest but they're all jacket pocket/purse/easy carry cameras.

The G1X lens sounds the most impressive out of that bunch, though as versatile as it is an ILC is still far more versatile. I wish specifying aperture at certain key equivalent focal lengths was a standard practice, maybe something for CIPA to look at.

it's true a sony rx100 will fit in a jeanspocket and even better in a pocket of a non jeans trouser....what is for sure is that this canon and all the m4/3 or aps-c camera's will not fit in a trouser pocket at all......i have a sony rx100 and i prefer to put it in a jacket or in my little leather "sacoche home" mans bag which i bought for 1,50 € at a vintage market in Noyers la Poterie, Normandy. But in cases when needed i can put the sony or a canon s120 in my trouser pockets. The problem with a lot of "small camera" is indeed they are smaller than a dslr but still much to big for calling is compact...

I have a mobile phone in my trouser pocket. Nothing bigger than that I plan to put there. So, no serious camera there. I carry my Canon G10 in a strap around my neck or in a jacket pocket, if it is big enough.

The G1x mII is slightly larger, so I assume it will almost always be in the strap around my neck.

I don't WANT to put the RX100 in my pants pocket, but I CAN (even the larger m2), and the slight difference in size means it comes with me way more often than my old G12 did, so I don't think I can move up in size again.

All that being said for the Sony, my Powershot s110 came with me even more often...

I agree, although I don't shoot in bad weather conditions often; weather sealing would keep dust out, which cannot be easily cleaned out of a fixed lens camera. With cheap compact cameras, no big deal, just toss out the camera if big dust spots get in the lens or sensor, but these more expensive compacts need to keep dust out. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any high end weather sealed large sensor compacts. The RX10 has weather sealing but it is huge.

Yeah, that's probably the key point for anyone weighing the convenience of this vs a mirrorless plus one prime... I like my 45mm/1.8 (50mm equivalent), and I'm lusting after an ultra wide, but the 20/1.7 (40mm equivalent) and a kit zoom is still what I use the most. I imagine a lot of people with smaller mirrorless bodies are on the same boat...